Your mother with dementia planting a pillow in the garden might seem strange, but it’s actually quite common for people with dementia to engage in unusual behaviors. This is likely due to confusion and memory loss affecting her ability to recognize objects and understand their purpose.
As dementia progresses, it can cause something called agnosia, which makes it hard to identify familiar items. Your mom might see the pillow and think it’s a plant or flower that needs to be planted. Her brain is trying to make sense of things, but the connections aren’t quite right.
Another possibility is that she’s trying to recreate a familiar activity from her past. Gardening might have been something she enjoyed, and planting the pillow could be her attempt to engage in that comforting task, even if the objects are mixed up in her mind.
It’s also worth considering that dementia can affect a person’s sense of time. Your mother might believe it’s planting season, regardless of the actual time of year, and is acting on that belief with whatever object is at hand.
This behavior, while puzzling, is her way of trying to interact with her environment and maintain a sense of purpose. It’s important to respond with patience and understanding. Instead of correcting her, you might try redirecting her attention to an actual gardening activity or another task she enjoys.
Remember, these actions aren’t intentional. They’re a result of the changes happening in her brain. Providing a safe, supportive environment and engaging her in appropriate activities can help manage these behaviors and maintain her quality of life.
If you’re concerned about her safety or if these behaviors are causing distress, it’s a good idea to consult with her doctor. They might be able to offer additional strategies or adjust her treatment plan if needed.
Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging, but understanding the reasons behind their actions can help you respond with compassion and find creative ways to keep them engaged and content.
